Fairfield-Suisun schools continue ‘Adopt-a-Family’ seasonal tradition | dailyrepublic.com

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District has, for more than 20 years, celebrated the season of giving through its Adopt-A-Family program.

Organized by the Student & Family Services Department, the annual effort invites staff and community members to help brighten the holiday season for families in need – one gift card at a time.

“This program truly captures the heart of our FSUSD community,” Marbeya Ellis, Family Resource Center manager, said in a statement. “Every gift card represents much needed care and kindness.”

Source: Fairfield-Suisun schools continue ‘Adopt-a-Family’ seasonal tradition | News | dailyrepublic.com

‘Queen of Childcare’ Enola Davis celebrates 60 years working in Vallejo schools – Vallejo Sun

By Zack Haber

Steffan Manor Elementary preschool and after-school program educator Enola Davis celebrated 60 years of working at the Vallejo City Unified School District last month.

Now in her 80s, she still leads an active lifestyle, regularly going to the gym, and dancing with the children during morning circle time meetings.Advertisement

Source: ‘Queen of Childcare’ Enola Davis celebrates 60 years working in Vallejo schools

Vallejo school district welcomes shared Latina voices – Times Herald Online

By Sarah Rodriguez

The Vallejo City Unified School District’s regularly scheduled board meeting brought a trio of positive discussions, including the approval of two renewed district holidays and an insightful look at first-hand accounts of the impactful SER Latino program.

The governing board and its two present student trustees adopted two new resolutions, renewing Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and May 2, 2026, as CC and Amber Sabathia Day, honoring the Vallejo native and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame player and his wife.

Source: Vallejo school district welcomes shared Latina voices – Times Herald Online

Donations needed for 2025 Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education and the Faith and Education Collaborative are holding the 2025 Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive to support students and their families who are in need of winter essentials.

“The Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive provides a meaningful opportunity for individuals, schools, businesses and community organizations to come together and ensure every child and family has access to warm clothing and basic necessities as colder months approach. Items collected will be distributed to Solano County students and families experiencing unstable housing or hardships,” organizers said.

Source: Donations needed for 2025 Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive | News | dailyrepublic.com

Vallejo set to honor CC Sabathia next weekend – Times Herald Online

By Thomas Gase

Vallejo native CC Sabathia always had the keys to success on the pitching mound. Now he’s getting the key to the city of Vallejo.

Vallejo, in partnership with the Vallejo City Unified School District and Sabathia’s PitCCh-In Foundation, will honor the baseball legend, philanthropist and hometown hero on Nov. 16.

The big day, recognizing Sabathia for his achievements and contributions his home city, will take place at Vallejo High School’s Corbus Field. Sabathia will be presented with a proclamation, an honorary street renaming, and a key to the city.

Source: Vallejo set to honor CC Sabathia next weekend – Times Herald Online

Aurelio selected to be superintendent at-large for practitioners advisory group – Times Herald Online

By Thomas Gase

The Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) announced Friday afternoon that Superintendent Rubén Aurelio has been selected to serve on the California Practitioners Advisory Group as Superintendent at-large.

Aurelio’s appointment will be presented to the California State Board of Education for approval during its Nov. 2025 meeting, under Item 01 – SBE Priorities.

“Serving on CPAG is an incredible opportunity to represent Vallejo and the important work happening in our schools,” said Aurelio in a news release. “At VCUSD, we are deeply committed to equity, innovation, and preparing every student for success. I look forward to sharing the voices and experiences of our students, families, and educators as we work together to strengthen education for all California students.”

Source: Aurelio selected to be superintendent at-large for practitioners advisory group – Times Herald Online

SCOE/Supes talk schools audit, CIP – The Vacaville Reporter

By Nick McConnell

The Solano County Office of Education presented an update on the Williams Case audit information to the Solano County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Nicola Parr, Solano County Superintendent of Schools, presented on the audit to the board. Parr said she is newly appointed to the position and is happy to serve in the role.

The Williams case was a class action lawsuit filed in San Francisco County Superior Court in 2000, in which hundreds of students filed suit against public agencies for failing to provide equal access to education in 46 schools across the state. The 2004 settlement led to new state laws stipulating minimum levels of service and treatment for students, parents, and local educators and Parr explained that her presentation is an annual informational item required by the California Education Code.

Source: Supes talk schools audit, CIP – The Vacaville Reporter

Montessori Charter School Continues Award-Winning Tradition | Independent Voice

Dixon Montessori Charter School has announced that it continues to outperform state averages in both reading and math, underscoring its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and whole-child education.

According to recent performance data, Dixon Montessori Charter students scored 14% higher in math and 11% higher in reading than the California state averages.

“We are extremely proud of our students, teachers and families for their hard work and dedication,” said Ben Ernest, Executive Director of Dixon Montessori Charter School. “These results demonstrate the strength of our community and our commitment to individualized, Montessori-based learning that helps every child thrive.”

Source: Montessori Charter School Continues Award-Winning Tradition | Independent Voice

Benicia Police collecting coats, socks, other winter items | dailyrepublic.com

The city’s Police Department is participating in the 2025 Winter Warmth & Wellness Drive sponsored by the Solano County Office of Education and the Faith and Education Collaborative.

Sponsors are requesting the donation of new coats, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, umbrellas, pajamas and/or hygiene kits. The donations will help families and youth in the community who need items to help them stay warm during the winter months.

Source: Benicia Police collecting coats, socks, other winter items | News | dailyrepublic.com

Scarlet Brigade takes 1st in division at Grape Bowl Classic | dailyrepublic.com

The Scarlet Brigade from Fairfield High School won first place for Division 3A at the Grape Bowl Classic Band Review held Saturday in Lodi.

The unit’s Color Guard also took first in Division 3A, and Street Percussion was second.

Assistant drum major Sophia Mitchell led the band wearing a Royal Stewart kilt and feather bonnet. The Scarlet Brigade Pipes & Drums unit members wear the Dress Stewart kilt.

Source: Scarlet Brigade takes 1st in division at Grape Bowl Classic | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County filmmakers will walk the red carpet in Vacaville | dailyrepublic.com

The red carpet will roll out Nov. 13 at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre.

In partnership with the North Bay Regional Center, the Solano County Office of Education hosts Inclusion Films, founded by Joey Travolta, by which aspiring filmmakers dive into the world of moviemaking.

Over the course of an intense two-week session, campers dream up scripts, step into the spotlight and bring their vision to life using movie equipment and expert guidance.

Source: Solano County filmmakers will walk the red carpet in Vacaville | Local Arts Scene | dailyrepublic.com

State names 5 Teachers of the Year |  dailyrepublic.com

One San Jose teacher was named among the state’s five 2026 Teachers of the Year.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond made the announcement Thursday.

“These extraordinary educators represent the very best of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can change lives and strengthen entire school communities,” Thurmond said.

Source: State names 5 Teachers of the Year | News | dailyrepublic.com

Green Valley cross country teams win FSUSD middle school championships | dailyrepublic.com

Green Valley Middle School’s cross country teams won the first Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District middle school banners for the 2025-26 season.

Both teams went undefeated. Seventh-grader Keanu Llamana was first as Green Valley captured five of the six scoring placement. The Green Valley girls took four of the top six placements.

Elsa Keller of Suisun Valley K-8 School was the girls overall champion.

Source: Green Valley cross country teams win FSUSD middle school championships | Community | dailyrepublic.com

2026 CA Teachers of the Year Announced – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today named five exceptional educators as the 2026 California Teachers of the Year. These educators are ambassadors of the profession and serve as representatives of the state for the calendar year.

Superintendent Thurmond, who began his career as a social services worker, said he is pleased to recognize the outstanding teachers who have had a tremendous impact on their schools, students, and communities.Superintendent Thurmond praised the five outstanding educators named 2026 California Teachers of the Year and highlighted their passion, creativity, and commitment to inspiring students every day. “These extraordinary educators represent the very best of our public schools and remind us that great teaching can change lives and strengthen entire school communities,” he said.

Source: 2026 CA Teachers of the Year Announced – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Kairos Schools gains national recognition for middle school | dailyrepublic.com

Kairos Public Schools announced Wednesday it was rated by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s Best Middle Schools and Best Middle School Charter Schools.

“We are proud of our scholars and our incredible team of educators for their pursuit of excellence,” Jared Austin, co-founder, superintendent and chief executive officer of Kairos Public Schools, said in a statement.

“This national recognition is a powerful testament to their hard work, passion, and intentional collaboration. We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition.”

Source: Kairos Schools gains national recognition for middle school | News | dailyrepublic.com

SCC professor plays key role in bill that restructures commission | dailyrepublic.com

Solano Community College faculty member Anthony Ayala co-authored a childhood education credentialing bill which was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 1123 restructures the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to include voting members representing the early childhood education profession for the first time in state history.

Since its creation in 1971, the CTC has set standards for teacher preparation, permits and credentials. Until now, it lacked voting representation from early childhood professionals or higher education faculty who train them.

Source: SCC professor plays key role in bill that restructures commission | News | dailyrepublic.com

Rodriguez continues strong showing in band competition | dailyrepublic.com

The Rodriguez High Entertainment unit captured the grand sweepstakes for combined Parade and Field competitions at the Foothill Band Review held in Pleasanton on Saturday.

There were 34 bands that participated in the parade portion of the competition and 18 bands participated in the field show.

REU took first overall in the drum major mace competition of the Parade category, second in the Band Division 6A and Percussion Division 6A, and brought home a third in color guard for Division 6A.

Source: Rodriguez continues strong showing in band competition | News | dailyrepublic.com

FSUSD leaders honored as women of the year | dailyrepublic.com

Newly appointed Solano County Superintendent of Schools Nikki Parr, Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce and four employees of the Fairfield-Suisun school district were among the 54 Women of the Year recipients for the 8th Congressional District.

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Educational Services; Marbeya Ellis, Family Resource Center manager; Shelmae Turner, associated Student Body treasurer at Fairfield High School; and Sriya Srinivasan, a student at Early College High School, were among those honored, the district announced.

Source: FSUSD leaders honored as women of the year | News | dailyrepublic.com

Local schools earn spots on 2025 Honor Roll | dailyrepublic.com

Seven Solano County schools, three from the Fairfield-Suisun Unified District, made the 2025 Honor Roll list of California’s top performing schools and districts.

Educational Partnership Results announced the news earlier this month.

ERP is a nonprofit organization that applies data science to accelerate student success, in partnership with state business leaders representing 28 chambers of commerce across the state.

Source: Local schools earn spots on 2025 Honor Roll | News | dailyrepublic.com

ELITE urges leaders for chance to apply for state funds – Times Herald Online

By Thomas Gase

The clock is ticking, but officials at ELITE Public Schools are still optimistic it can receive state facilities funding to improve its site on Whitney Drive in Vallejo.

The state’s application deadline to apply is Thursday, but last week the Vallejo City Unified School District made a decision to not bring Resolution No. 5086 to a motion, therefore not adopting the document required by ELITE to move forward with applications for new construction and rehabilitation funding under the state’s Charter School Facilities Program.

Source: ELITE urges leaders for chance to apply for state funds – Times Herald Online